The common merganser and the hooded merganser are two similar species of diving ducks found in North America. While they have some similarities, there are a number of key differences between these two types of mergansers.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to the key differences between common and hooded mergansers:
- The common merganser is larger and has a shaggier crest on its head.
- The hooded merganser has a distinctive fan-shaped white crest that looks like a hood.
- Common mergansers have red-orange bills while hooded mergansers have black bills.
- Hooded mergansers prefer small ponds and rivers while common mergansers live along large lakes and coastlines.
- The hooded merganser prefers to nest in tree cavities while the common merganser nests on the ground.
Identification
When trying to distinguish between a common merganser and a hooded merganser, the most obvious difference is the crest on the head. The common merganser has a long, shaggy crest that looks unkempt. The hooded merganser has a very distinctive white crest that looks like a hood pulled over the head.
In addition to the crest, there are some other subtle differences in markings that can help identify these birds:
- The common merganser has a reddish-orange bill with a black tip and nail.
- The hooded merganser has a completely black bill.
- The common merganser has white sides with neat black and gray bars along the flanks.
- The hooded merganser has reddish-brown sides with messy black and white streaks and spots.
The common merganser tends to be slightly larger than the hooded merganser. The average length is 25 inches for a common merganser compared to 22 inches for a hooded merganser. The wingspans are similar though, around 33 inches for both species.
Juvenile birds have similar patterns as the adults, just duller coloring. The crests are also not as pronounced in young birds.
Table of Identification Features
Feature | Common Merganser | Hooded Merganser |
---|---|---|
Crest | Long and shaggy | Fan-shaped and looks like a hood |
Bill Color | Reddish-orange | Black |
Body Color | White sides with neat black and gray bars | Reddish-brown sides with messy black and white streaks |
Size | 25 inches long | 22 inches long |
Range and Habitat
Both the common merganser and hooded merganser are found across North America. However, there are some differences in their preferred habitats.
The common merganser is most often found in areas with large lakes, reservoirs, and coastlines. They spend a lot of time diving and fishing in open waters. The hooded merganser prefers small ponds, rivers, and wooded wetlands. They usually stay close to shore and nest in tree cavities near the water’s edge.
During migration and winter, the two species may overlap more. But in general, common mergansers tend to winter along coastal areas while hooded mergansers will be more inland.
The hooded merganser has a more southerly breeding range. They are uncommon nesters in Canada and the northern United States. Meanwhile, the common merganser breeds all across Canada and Alaska and south through the northern half of the United States. They are one of the most widely distributed mergansers.
Breeding and Wintering Ranges
Species | Breeding Range | Wintering Range |
---|---|---|
Common merganser | Across Canada and Alaska, south to northern half of U.S. | Coastal areas throughout U.S., some inland |
Hooded merganser | South Canada, south through central U.S. | Throughout U.S. into Mexico |
Migration and Nesting
The migration patterns and nesting behaviors of common and hooded mergansers also differ quite a bit.
Common mergansers are one of the earliest ducks to migrate north in the spring. They want to arrive on the breeding grounds as soon as ice breaks up so they can establish territories. Males will arrive first and wait for females. Hooded mergansers migrate a bit later and the males and females often arrive together.
On the breeding grounds, common mergansers nest on the ground along lakes and rivers, concealed by vegetation. The female builds the nest out of twigs, grasses, and feathers. Hooded mergansers nest in tree cavities, often in dead trees or nest boxes. The females line the cavity with down feathers pulled from her chest.
The common merganser female does all the incubating and cares for the young alone. Hooded mergansers may have the female incubate the eggs but the male helps care for and defend the young. The young of both species will fledge and be able to fly at around 70 days.
In winter, common mergansers are often found in saltwater bays, estuaries, and coastlines in large flocks. Hooded mergansers tend to winter in freshwater habitats further inland in smaller groups.
Nesting and Migration Comparison
Behavior | Common Merganser | Hooded Merganser |
---|---|---|
Spring Migration | Early, males first | Later, males and females together |
Nest Site | On ground near water | In tree cavities |
Nesting Behavior | Female incubates and cares for young alone | Male assists with young care |
Fledging | 70 days | 70 days |
Wintering Behavior | Coastal areas in large flocks | Inland freshwater in small groups |
Diet and Feeding
As diving ducks, both common and hooded mergansers eat mainly fish and other aquatic animals. However, their specific diets and foraging behaviors show some differences.
Common mergansers are able to dive deeper than hooded mergansers, allowing them to pursue larger fish in more open water. They commonly eat fish like herring, perch, suckerfish, and trout. They also eat crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects.
Hooded mergansers stick close to shore and feed in vegetated areas. They mainly eat small fish like minnows, sunfish, and sticklebacks. They also eat tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, and aquatic insects. Their serrated bill helps them grip slippery prey.
While the female incubates eggs, the male common merganser will remain nearby and fish to later bring food to the young. Male hooded mergansers abandon the female once she starts incubating but may later help forage for the young.
Young of both species feed mainly on aquatic insects and other invertebrates until they are able to dive and hunt fish on their own.
Diet Comparison
Diet | Common Merganser | Hooded Merganser |
---|---|---|
Fish Size | Large fish | Small fish |
Other Prey | Crustaceans, mollusks, insects | Tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, insects |
Foraging Area | Open water | Shoreline vegetation |
Male Care | Fish for female and young | Abandons female to incubate |
Young Diet | Invertebrates initially | Invertebrates initially |
Population Status
Both the common merganser and hooded merganser are considered species of least concern by conservation groups. They have healthy populations across North America.
The common merganser is one of the most abundant mergansers across its range. Populations are estimated at over 1 million birds. Numbers increased throughout the 1900s as they adapted well to human-altered wetland habitat. They are now a common sight on large reservoirs and lakes near cities.
Hooded merganser populations declined in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to overhunting and wetland loss. Conservation efforts have helped populations recover to a sustainable level. Current populations are estimated around 400,000.
The major threat to both species currently is habitat loss. Water pollution may also impact them by reducing food sources and nesting habitat. Continued conservation efforts for wetlands and responsible hunting practices help ensure healthy populations of these ducks.
Population Comparison
Population Status | Common Merganser | Hooded Merganser |
---|---|---|
Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Population Estimate | Over 1 million | 400,000 |
Population Trend | Increasing | Recovering |
Major Threat | Habitat loss | Habitat loss |
Interesting Facts
Here are a few more interesting facts about common and hooded mergansers:
- The common merganser can dive to depths over 130 feet in search of fish.
- Hooded merganser ducklings jump from their tree cavity nest when just 1-2 days old – it’s a leap of faith!
- The hooded merganser’s intricate courtship rituals involve head bobbing, bill pointing, and ritual calls.
- Common mergansers have been recorded flying at speeds over 75 miles per hour.
- The hooded merganser got its name because the white crest makes it look like it is wearing a hood.
- The common merganser’s scientific name Mergus merganser comes from Latin words meaning “diving goose.”
Conclusion
While common and hooded mergansers are closely related ducks with some similarities, they have clear differences when it comes to their appearance, preferred habitat, nesting behaviors, diet, and conservation status. Being able to identify the key field marks like the crest, bill color, and body patterns is the best way to distinguish these two diving ducks if you see them in the wild.
Understanding the differences between duck species helps birders appreciate the rich diversity of waterfowl. It also helps conservation biologists protect the unique needs of each species across their ranges and habitats. Both the common merganser and hooded merganser play important roles as fish-eaters and wetland residents across North America.